Changes

In most cases of feline behaviour problems behavioural modification alone is enough to resolve the problem. Anxiety, fear and ‘phobia’ can be treated effectively using conventional methods such as desensitisation and counter-conditioning. The use of drugs for behavioural conditions should be combined with behavioural modification and not used as a sole solution for the problem.  

In most cases of feline behaviour problems behavioural modification alone is enough to resolve the problem. Anxiety, fear and ‘phobia’ can be treated effectively using conventional methods such as desensitisation and counter-conditioning. The use of drugs for behavioural conditions should be combined with behavioural modification and not used as a sole solution for the problem.  

When used in conjunction with conventional methods drugs are most effective and any underlying medical cause for problem behaviours should first be ruled out before any pharmacological intervention <ref>Overall, K.L., 2003. Medical differentials with potential behavioural manifestations. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 33, 213–229.</ref>.

When used in conjunction with conventional methods drugs are most effective and any underlying medical cause for problem behaviours should first be ruled out before any pharmacological intervention <ref name="Overall">Overall, K.L., 2003. Medical differentials with potential behavioural manifestations. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 33, 213–229.</ref>.

Depression, anxiety, fear and phobia may be associated with genuine long-lasting neurotransmitter and synaptic changes in the CNS, but these changes are often reversible through new learning.

Depression, anxiety, fear and phobia may be associated with genuine long-lasting neurotransmitter and synaptic changes in the CNS, but these changes are often reversible through new learning.

These guidelines are important to ensure the correct use of drugs within the behavioural field as administration of medication is always long-term in comparison to most other drug use and they help the owner take-part in the process of evaluation as to the effectiveness of the drug prescribed <ref>Overall, K.L., 2004. Paradigms for pharmacologic use as a treatment component in feline behavioral medicine. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 6, 29-42.</ref>.

These guidelines are important to ensure the correct use of drugs within the behavioural field as administration of medication is always long-term in comparison to most other drug use and they help the owner take-part in the process of evaluation as to the effectiveness of the drug prescribed <ref>Overall, K.L., 2004. Paradigms for pharmacologic use as a treatment component in feline behavioral medicine. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 6, 29-42.</ref>.

Before any drug is prescribed a comprehensive behavioural and medical history should be compiled. In older animals, those suffering from cardiac or endocrine disorders as well animals which are already on treatments for any existing conditions extreme care should be taken. All animals should undergo a complete physical examination as well blood tests. For a cat a complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile and urinalysis, ideally with culture and sensitivity form a complete laboratory work up <ref>Overall, K.L., 2003. Medical differentials with potential behavioural manifestations. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 33, 213–229.</ref>. In addition in older cats thyroid levels should be tested and if cardiac disease is a worry a lead II ECG should be performed to exclude the existence of cardiomyopathy. This also provides a baseline for cardiac side effects of medications to be measured against <ref>Nattal, S., Mittleman, M., 1984. Treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias resulting from amitriptyline toxicity in dogs. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 231, 430–435.</ref>.

Before any drug is prescribed a comprehensive behavioural and medical history should be compiled. In older animals, those suffering from cardiac or endocrine disorders as well animals which are already on treatments for any existing conditions extreme care should be taken. All animals should undergo a complete physical examination as well blood tests. For a cat a complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile and urinalysis, ideally with culture and sensitivity form a complete laboratory work up <ref name="Overall" />. In addition in older cats thyroid levels should be tested and if cardiac disease is a worry a lead II ECG should be performed to exclude the existence of cardiomyopathy. This also provides a baseline for cardiac side effects of medications to be measured against <ref>Nattal, S., Mittleman, M., 1984. Treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias resulting from amitriptyline toxicity in dogs. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 231, 430–435.</ref>.

==References==

==References==